Vaccination Schedule

HPA Childrens Vaccination Schedule

Seasonal Flu Vaccination

Influenza – flu – is a highly infectious and potentially serious illness caused by influenza viruses. Each year the make-up of the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the influenza viruses that the World Health Organization decide are most likely to be circulating in the coming winter.

Regular immunisation (vaccination) is given free of charge to the following at-risk people, to protect them from seasonal flu:

people aged 65 or over,

people with a serious medical condition

people living in a residential or nursing home

the main carers for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer becomes ill

healthcare or social care professionals directly involved in patient care, and

those who work in close contact with poultry, such as chickens.

Pregnant women & the Flu Vaccination

It is recommended that all pregnant women should have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they're in. This is because there is good evidence that pregnant women have an increased risk of developing complications if they get flu, particularly from the H1N1 strain.

Studies have shown that the flu vaccine can be safely and effectively given during any trimester of pregnancy. The vaccine does not carry risks for either the mother or baby. In fact, studies have shown that mothers who have had the vaccine while pregnant pass some protection to their babies, which lasts for the first few months of their lives.

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice